Anne Hutchinson was considered a threat to the Massachusetts Bay colony because she was an outspoken woman, unafraid of fracturing the role women were supposed to play in early colonial society. Aware of her intelligence and the power she held over both genders, she could begin to adjust the parochial vision of civilization. One example is in the beginning of the trial, when Governor John Winthrop states the sexist reasoning for her persecution. Another example that reflected Anne Hutchinson’s trial was her influence on both sexes. She argued why she wasn’t guilty, which prolonged the trial. Although by the end of the trial she didn’t alter the judge’s mind, she was a prodigious influence to women in that time period.
In the 17th century, there was corruption in England’s government and economy due to the French Revolution. After Christopher Columbus’s “discovery”, settlers from England began to migrate to the New World because of religious persecution and depression in Europe. One major group that migrated was called the Puritans. These pious people set up with their families on land they named the Massachusetts Bay colony. Life as a Puritan consisted of a collection of integral laws. Although they escaped Holy oppression, they themselves, did not even accept religious diversity. Women were all known as “good wives” which meant they had no rights and they followed the orders of their husbands. Anne Hutchinson was a 43 year old woman who arrived at the Massachusetts Bay colony during the age of the “Antinomian Heresy”. Antinomianism was a belief system that opposed the rules of the Puritan church. Antinomians believed that they were above the law. In their perspective, the only one who could tell them what to do was God. They also practiced personal interpretation of the Bible. Albeit the Puritan society allowed people to hold meetings and express their religious opinion for entertainment. They believed that whoever practiced the covenant of works sincerely, would never be admitted to heaven. Puritans elucidated that the only way they could achieve salvation was not by effort, but by the grace of God himself; the covenant of grace. The controversy between the covenant of works and the covenant of grace heightened the consciousness of an internal issue within early America- women’s rights. Anne Hutchinson held meetings in her house expressing her religious perspective, as many others did, and yet, she was on trial for “breaking laws”. Could it have just been that she was a forthright woman? There was no other law proven to be broken by Anne Hutchinson.
Anne Hutchinson was put on trial after the council discovered she was holding public meetings in her home preaching her rebellious religious beliefs. In Chapter 2, The Threat of Anne Hutchinson, Governor Winthrop accused Hutchinson of being “…a woman that hath had a great share in the promoting and divulging of those opinions that are causes of this trouble…” (Pg. 35). He already identified her as a woman with influence, and has presented the root issue of her trial. Mr. Winthrop goes onto further explain, “…and you have maintained a meeting…in your house that hath been condemned by the general assembly as a thing not tolerable nor comely in the sight of God nor fitting for your sex…” (Pg. 35). Exploiting his belief that women were inferior, he manifested a purpose to accuse her. He permitted other citizens to practice preaching in their homes, therefore openly implicated she has done wrong just by being a woman.
Hutchinson somehow used her wisdom and experience to challenge the government during the trial. Her smart remarks such as, “I am called here to answer before you but I hear no things laid to my charge.” (Pg. 36). Continuously pleading her innocence and maintaining a steady position, her arguments reveal she is guilty of nothing. After Winthrop stated she was at the court partially for spreading her teachings to both male and female, witty Hutchinson replied, “Do you think it is not lawful for me to teach women and why do you call me to teach the court?” (Pg. 38). She has reversed the charges the governor has made against her by saying that the only men she is spreading her word upon is the court. The court didn’t usually call a trial for those who practiced antinomianism, thus the governor could not justly penalize her for having a separate belief. The underlying conflict with the Puritans was that being a woman, she was wrong to assert herself publicly and/or toward any man.
What were the “roles of women” defined as? During the time of early colonization and Puritanism, a woman’s job was to work the household and farm. When Anne Hutchinson came to Massachusetts, the repetitive conception of the supposed actions of women did not exist in her mind. With built knowledge on governmental ideals and rights of religion, she was viewed as brave. A woman with such potential had to be a threat to the rest of the population. “…economically and politically, wives were expected to help with and supplement their husband’s public activities.” (Pg. 32-33). This quote is hypocritical in society according to, “Spiritually, they were equal to their husband in the eyes of God…” (Pg. 32). Anne Hutchinson acted as though her ultimate perspective was equality, in which case, the government had to oppose on trial for the sake of the government.
Another excuse for the court to oppose Hutchinson was that she allegedly stated that the preacher who taught her (Mr. Cotton) was the only one blessed by God and qualified to teach the word. “I might say they might preach a covenant of works, as did the apostles, but to preach the covenant of works and to be under a covenant of works is another business.” Proving the court somewhat correct in their accusation, she repeated her reverse psychology and acknowledged the actual law in Massachusetts Bay. The court was completely speechless, that they solely responded with, “there have been six witnesses to prove this and yet you deny it.” The governor and people of the court somehow still standby their perspective of her as a threat to society in fear of the erosion of their administrative body. The court jumped to conclusions to try to substantiate that she violated a rule of the state. She simply implied that Mr. Cotton was the only spiritual leader eligible to preach a covenant of grace because he was blessed by God and the other church leaders were working toward their salvation. Her strong rebuttal statements proved the court had no evidence that she had disobeyed the state and God. Therefore, the court disclosed the attitude they had toward Hutchinson, saying she was guilty of dishonoring the state and God because of her audacious ability to speak her opinion (on topics such as religion) to anyone, creating an authoritative expansion throughout the community.
Anne Hutchinson was an intellectual hazard to the Massachusetts Bay colony due to her assessment on religion, nursing, medicine, and political justice as a woman. Women were compelled to have a miniscule voice. The reason why Mrs. Hutchinson was tyrannized was because she was a woman preaching her judgment to both men and women. Being that men were superior and held power in society, they could spread the word of Anne Hutchinson, if they agreed. Eventually that would put her in a high position overthrowing the government. The council concluded the trial by banishing Hutchinson. They did not want to lose power to an analytical, momentous woman. Apparently it was too late. After Anne Hutchinson was banished; women used her actions as a feminist motive. The ideals of women suffrage began to emerge.
About Me
- Nicole
- "I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act."
Thursday, December 17, 2009
A Brilliant Solution Essay
Many stirring events occurred in the history of 18th century America. Following the American Revolution, citizens were free from British rule. The only worry left was how to be an independent nation. With the corrupt government lead by the Articles of Confederation, inflation of economy due to debts of war, and divided, disunited people of the states and state principles, there was a lot of work to be done in America. Delegates of each state recognized a need for change, and took a risk to form the national convention. After months of debating, the Constitution and Bill of Rights became a stepping stone to success within the United States. Carol Berkin demonstrates that although the delegates tried to protect the federal government and the nation, they were actually greedy; craving for power.
Carol Berkin reveals a negative perspective on the founding fathers in A Brilliant Solution, chapter 3, “A Gathering of Demigods”. She described the East Room as “filled with middle-aged men of wealth, education, and political experience,” disclosing then that the “collective profile hides as much as it reveals.” (Chapter 3, Pg. 50). Clearly, her intentions are to show that the founding fathers weren’t actually heroes. Although Berkin focuses on dissecting the characters that represent the new found government, there is a hidden message. The unseen reason for the convention contradicted the purpose presented. Politicians plainly wanted to protect their wealth and political status. Hence, they generated a government through bias judgment. As a result to the Bill of Rights, only one amendment was dedicated to the pleasures of the states.
In chapter 6, “Debating the Presidency Once Again,” Berkin continues describing another general contradiction to fair administration, specifically in the executive branch. “…people’s guardian against legislative hubris.” (Chapter 6, Pg. 120) Berkin exemplified the debates that were presented to create a government which avoids abuse of power. However, in various stages of agreement, they restricted citizens’ power. The beginning of the fancy toward an Electoral College was exhibited and basically accounted for the “election by the people, either directly or through electors.” (Pg. 121). The convention held confidentiality when recreating the government, which limited the voice of the nation’s people, obscuring the desired principles of government. It was known as an “organized group that draws together men…to control the outcome.” (Pg. 122). As a result, “normal” citizens were given less attention. Through the mentality of the delegates “…to let the people select was…to ask a blind man to make a color choice.” (Pg.126). The paranoia of the delegates thus resulted in the formation of an unjust government that failed to accurately represent the popular will. The unseen reason for the convention contradicted the purpose presented. Politicians plainly wanted to protect their wealth and political status. Hence, they generated a government through bias judgment. As an example and end result to the Bill of Rights, only one amendment was dedicated to the pleasures of the states.
The calamity behind our nation’s Constitution is by cause of the duplicitous sentiments of the members in the convention. Through their success, they tried to hide alter egos that reflected conspiracy in government. Fights over power between branches in management, population in states, and over privileges given to each section illustrated the poor awareness the founding fathers had in the ability to help the citizens less accomplished than them. The United States faces these same struggles today. The incredible imbalance of power drives us further and further away from the society we’d love to call “democratic”.
Carol Berkin reveals a negative perspective on the founding fathers in A Brilliant Solution, chapter 3, “A Gathering of Demigods”. She described the East Room as “filled with middle-aged men of wealth, education, and political experience,” disclosing then that the “collective profile hides as much as it reveals.” (Chapter 3, Pg. 50). Clearly, her intentions are to show that the founding fathers weren’t actually heroes. Although Berkin focuses on dissecting the characters that represent the new found government, there is a hidden message. The unseen reason for the convention contradicted the purpose presented. Politicians plainly wanted to protect their wealth and political status. Hence, they generated a government through bias judgment. As a result to the Bill of Rights, only one amendment was dedicated to the pleasures of the states.
In chapter 6, “Debating the Presidency Once Again,” Berkin continues describing another general contradiction to fair administration, specifically in the executive branch. “…people’s guardian against legislative hubris.” (Chapter 6, Pg. 120) Berkin exemplified the debates that were presented to create a government which avoids abuse of power. However, in various stages of agreement, they restricted citizens’ power. The beginning of the fancy toward an Electoral College was exhibited and basically accounted for the “election by the people, either directly or through electors.” (Pg. 121). The convention held confidentiality when recreating the government, which limited the voice of the nation’s people, obscuring the desired principles of government. It was known as an “organized group that draws together men…to control the outcome.” (Pg. 122). As a result, “normal” citizens were given less attention. Through the mentality of the delegates “…to let the people select was…to ask a blind man to make a color choice.” (Pg.126). The paranoia of the delegates thus resulted in the formation of an unjust government that failed to accurately represent the popular will. The unseen reason for the convention contradicted the purpose presented. Politicians plainly wanted to protect their wealth and political status. Hence, they generated a government through bias judgment. As an example and end result to the Bill of Rights, only one amendment was dedicated to the pleasures of the states.
The calamity behind our nation’s Constitution is by cause of the duplicitous sentiments of the members in the convention. Through their success, they tried to hide alter egos that reflected conspiracy in government. Fights over power between branches in management, population in states, and over privileges given to each section illustrated the poor awareness the founding fathers had in the ability to help the citizens less accomplished than them. The United States faces these same struggles today. The incredible imbalance of power drives us further and further away from the society we’d love to call “democratic”.
Female Diction
Think of the origin of unlimited power, who obtained it? The “almighty” was represented by rich, white men. Society held women in a perpetual state of confinement by creating a disproportionate amount of fairness among the sexes. Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Margaret Atwood both display a woman’s need for expression in their pieces, The Yellow Wallpaper and “Spelling”. Each author paints a picture of the type of women that are disguised within society, but mostly the ones who are considered impractical.
In The Yellow Wallpaper, an allegory by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the woman represents all women suppressed by ideals of civilization. After the woman was diagnosed with “hysteria” by her physician husband, she said, “Personally, I disagree with their ideas…I believe that all congenial work, with excitement and change, would do me good.” (Pg.1). This quote simply signifies how strong willed she was in the beginning of the story. However, towards the end, she says “I don’t want to. I don’t feel able.” (Pg.7) representing her indifference and showing repression of self. Although seemingly insane due to her personification of the wallpaper in her room, “This paper looks to me as if it knew what vicious influence it had!” (Pg.4), but it merely symbolizes the struggle that women had to break through, in order to use her voice.
Short story, The Yellow Wallpaper, shows irony because of elements such as her room, the wallpaper, and her journal. Her room is separated from everyone else in order to represent the restrain of society. What is ironic about the setting is that it was previously used as a nursery. By evidence, “What is it, little girl?” her husband treats her as though she’s a child- delicately and foolishly. Many aspects of the room for example, the wallpaper, the bars on the windows, and the nails holding the bed exemplify that women had no control over their life decisions, but surely needed that opportunity.
Margaret Atwood expressed her passionate eye for women suffrage in her poem, “Spelling”. Through the element of parallelism, Atwood expresses the way that simple education leads to the development of one’s ideas. This connects to women suffrage because society was afraid of allowing women the open delivery of opinion. Atwood uses symbolic language in the first stanza, “Learning how to spell; Spelling; How to make spells,” disclosing the enchantment of speech. If women were to speak out, their words would have the possibility to captivate crowds and change ideology.
In “Spelling,” the fourth and fifth stanza, “Of the woman caught in the war; & in labour, her thighs tied…So she could not give birth.” and “Ancestress…Her mouth covered by leather; To strangle words,” contains metaphoric language, comparing two different types of women in communities. Yet, they face the same fate. Both are being shackled by the terms of society. Margaret Atwood is plainly articulating the demand for women to use their intelligence, and make a statement.
Men feared the potential in women, therefore acted as though it was nonexistent. In pieces The Yellow Wallpaper and “Spelling,” these female writers succeeded in identifying the issue with women in society, and further revealing the acts that women sometimes took in order to be individual. Women for so long eluded the idea of conformation and others have mistaken it for sickness. Ultimately, men could not hold interminable superiority over a woman’s mind.
In The Yellow Wallpaper, an allegory by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the woman represents all women suppressed by ideals of civilization. After the woman was diagnosed with “hysteria” by her physician husband, she said, “Personally, I disagree with their ideas…I believe that all congenial work, with excitement and change, would do me good.” (Pg.1). This quote simply signifies how strong willed she was in the beginning of the story. However, towards the end, she says “I don’t want to. I don’t feel able.” (Pg.7) representing her indifference and showing repression of self. Although seemingly insane due to her personification of the wallpaper in her room, “This paper looks to me as if it knew what vicious influence it had!” (Pg.4), but it merely symbolizes the struggle that women had to break through, in order to use her voice.
Short story, The Yellow Wallpaper, shows irony because of elements such as her room, the wallpaper, and her journal. Her room is separated from everyone else in order to represent the restrain of society. What is ironic about the setting is that it was previously used as a nursery. By evidence, “What is it, little girl?” her husband treats her as though she’s a child- delicately and foolishly. Many aspects of the room for example, the wallpaper, the bars on the windows, and the nails holding the bed exemplify that women had no control over their life decisions, but surely needed that opportunity.
Margaret Atwood expressed her passionate eye for women suffrage in her poem, “Spelling”. Through the element of parallelism, Atwood expresses the way that simple education leads to the development of one’s ideas. This connects to women suffrage because society was afraid of allowing women the open delivery of opinion. Atwood uses symbolic language in the first stanza, “Learning how to spell; Spelling; How to make spells,” disclosing the enchantment of speech. If women were to speak out, their words would have the possibility to captivate crowds and change ideology.
In “Spelling,” the fourth and fifth stanza, “Of the woman caught in the war; & in labour, her thighs tied…So she could not give birth.” and “Ancestress…Her mouth covered by leather; To strangle words,” contains metaphoric language, comparing two different types of women in communities. Yet, they face the same fate. Both are being shackled by the terms of society. Margaret Atwood is plainly articulating the demand for women to use their intelligence, and make a statement.
Men feared the potential in women, therefore acted as though it was nonexistent. In pieces The Yellow Wallpaper and “Spelling,” these female writers succeeded in identifying the issue with women in society, and further revealing the acts that women sometimes took in order to be individual. Women for so long eluded the idea of conformation and others have mistaken it for sickness. Ultimately, men could not hold interminable superiority over a woman’s mind.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Our anniversary
[H]ow much I love you can't be described
[A]nd how much I want you can't be prescribed
[P]atiently waiting for this day to arrive
[P]erfect and willingly, I am your wife
[Y]es, this is it & I refuse to think otherwise
[A]nxiously I wait for you to realize
[N]o matter what is said, or what we do
[N]obody will take me away from you
[I] love you baby and I was created for you.
[V]ery gently, I treat you with care
[E]verybody sees you are my source of air
[R]ainy days can't alter our direction
[S]o allow me to continue to offer protection
[A] year ago today
[R]ighteously . . .
[Y]ou and I . . . We paved a way.
[A]nd how much I want you can't be prescribed
[P]atiently waiting for this day to arrive
[P]erfect and willingly, I am your wife
[Y]es, this is it & I refuse to think otherwise
[A]nxiously I wait for you to realize
[N]o matter what is said, or what we do
[N]obody will take me away from you
[I] love you baby and I was created for you.
[V]ery gently, I treat you with care
[E]verybody sees you are my source of air
[R]ainy days can't alter our direction
[S]o allow me to continue to offer protection
[A] year ago today
[R]ighteously . . .
[Y]ou and I . . . We paved a way.
The Freshman Dilemma (Article for "The Voice")
High School: The Freshmen Dilemma
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Sunday, November 08, 2009 By Nicole Rivera
The transition from middle school to high school is difficult. Many adolescents wonder what goes on inside a freshman’s mind, yet it is the freshman who has it the hardest. Chris Taylor, a 9th grader at Manhattan/Hunter High School enjoys his new school ritual. His initial statement when asked about school was, “there are more girls.” He also said that the uniform policy is some what acceptable but sometimes he would like to show his own “flavor.” High school, however, has its advantages and its disadvantages. Furthermore, Chris explains how hard it is--he gets lost easily, and there is a lot of homework. It is challenging to be in an early college high school, which becomes more than a challenge when Manhattan/Hunter Science High School is integrated in a building with several different schools. Some people say it is a distracting issue; others remain indifferent. Chris Taylor talks briefly of the matter, saying “everyone’s kind of scary…with the cursing…and it looks like they fight a lot.” On the other hand, we have students like Prima Manandhar, soft spoken and focused. “I go to S.O.S and Lunch & Learn a lot,” she says. When young adults enter high school, they develop with responsibility and maturity. At Manhattan/Hunter Science High School we are preparing for college early so it is acceptable that the homework level is high. Teachers here have great expectations for their students; high school is a place to “raise the bar.” Prima certainly feels the heat, “We have to be a lot more independent. There’s more work.” Like Chris, some students are lucky and end up at the same high school with their middle school friends. For majority of students, the case is different. Prima and plenty other had to start high school without a friend. Both Chris and Prima agree that it gets lonely in a place where there is constant activity. Life of a freshman in high school is not a walk in the park. Having a new experience is anything, but easy. Providing adolescents with correct guidance and nourishment is essential in helping them succeed. Although teasing them might seem amusing, everyone has been in their position. Therefore, we need to accomplish a supportive and a safe environment for academic enrichment.
[ArticleImageHyperLink]
[ArticleMedia]
Sunday, November 08, 2009 By Nicole Rivera
The transition from middle school to high school is difficult. Many adolescents wonder what goes on inside a freshman’s mind, yet it is the freshman who has it the hardest. Chris Taylor, a 9th grader at Manhattan/Hunter High School enjoys his new school ritual. His initial statement when asked about school was, “there are more girls.” He also said that the uniform policy is some what acceptable but sometimes he would like to show his own “flavor.” High school, however, has its advantages and its disadvantages. Furthermore, Chris explains how hard it is--he gets lost easily, and there is a lot of homework. It is challenging to be in an early college high school, which becomes more than a challenge when Manhattan/Hunter Science High School is integrated in a building with several different schools. Some people say it is a distracting issue; others remain indifferent. Chris Taylor talks briefly of the matter, saying “everyone’s kind of scary…with the cursing…and it looks like they fight a lot.” On the other hand, we have students like Prima Manandhar, soft spoken and focused. “I go to S.O.S and Lunch & Learn a lot,” she says. When young adults enter high school, they develop with responsibility and maturity. At Manhattan/Hunter Science High School we are preparing for college early so it is acceptable that the homework level is high. Teachers here have great expectations for their students; high school is a place to “raise the bar.” Prima certainly feels the heat, “We have to be a lot more independent. There’s more work.” Like Chris, some students are lucky and end up at the same high school with their middle school friends. For majority of students, the case is different. Prima and plenty other had to start high school without a friend. Both Chris and Prima agree that it gets lonely in a place where there is constant activity. Life of a freshman in high school is not a walk in the park. Having a new experience is anything, but easy. Providing adolescents with correct guidance and nourishment is essential in helping them succeed. Although teasing them might seem amusing, everyone has been in their position. Therefore, we need to accomplish a supportive and a safe environment for academic enrichment.
Crucible Essay
Nicole Rivera American Lit.
10/3/08 P2
Prompt: How do the witch trials empower individuals who were previously powerless?
The Incredulous Life of “Witches”
The Salem Witch trials, which took place in the 1950’s, empowered people even of the lowest class in society. Farmers, orphans, servants- anyone could be accountable for putting another to death just by accusing them of witchcraft. Plenty of examples lie within playwright Arthur Miller’s piece, “The Crucible”. A girl of no substantial economic status named Abigail acted upon a strident motive guided by jealousy, and caused over seven deaths in the Massachusetts Bay colony. Another example is in Arthur Miller’s reflection, Why I Wrote “The Crucible”, where he explains the motives of the sneaky people who made knowingly false accusations. Although the restrictions in this old pious society were antic toward present day readers, they were actuality. The only way lower class citizens could have a voice was to accuse people of a lie to obtain the ultimate power; absolute power over another person’s life.
Abigail, a 17 year old orphan from “The Crucible”, accused Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft in order to be with her husband. Tituba (servant) conjured a potion for Abby to drink that would supposedly kill Elizabeth Proctor. When the girls panicked and wished to tell, Abigail was stern and manipulative. Determined to achieve her snide goal, she said, “Let either of you breathe a word…about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring you a pointy reckoning that will shudder you.” (Act 1, Pg. 20). She had the capability to make the other girls feel inferior, and more so afraid of her. She held this force to keep control over the girls so they wouldn’t speak the truth. Elizabeth Proctor was the wife of the man Abigail had an affair with, John Proctor. When he showed to the scene, Abigail’s lust and motives were flaunted. Showing her envy and anger toward his wife, Abby said “She is blackening my name in the village!”, meaning she thought Elizabeth was gossiping to other people about Abby’s promiscuous ways with her husband. Next, with her hostile approach, she insulted Elizabeth saying, “Oh, I marvel how such a strong man may let such a sickly wife…” (Act 1, Pg. 23). An orphan such as Abigail is aware of the power she has over John. She is certain she can control him because he has guilt. He doesn’t want anyone knowing about him committing adultery, he just wants to leave it behind, as shown in Act one, page 23, “wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby.” Even though he expresses they will never touch again, she knows she can always use it against him and is still determined to having him.
Toward the climax of this play, everyone is on trial. Proctor comes to the conclusion that nobody is going to believe him, so he reveals the truth. He committed adultery with Abigail. Abby was called to the court and put on her devious attitude. Every time Hathorn and Danforth (judges) would seemingly side with Proctor, Abby intervenes. “Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you to be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it!” says Abby (Act 3, Pg. 108). In this scene Abby really shows her capability to act and mold people’s decisions. She executed a brilliant idea to accuse Mary Warren (Proctor’s servant) of witchcraft by pretending to see a bird about to launch at her, “But God made my face, you cannot want to tear my face. Envy is a deadly sin, Mary.” (Act 3, Pg. 115). Abby’s ironic statement leads the judges to believe Mary Warren and Proctor are guilty. Her acting in this scene gives her charge because she uses people such as Mary Warren. She is attentive to the fact that Mary is apprehensive during the trial, and easily scared by Abby. Another example describing the amount of power each person had was when Abigail arranged a plan to make sure Elizabeth was persecuted. Abby stabbed herself with a needle and sent Hale to the Proctor house to check if they had a doll with a needle through its stomach. “…stuck two inches in the flesh of her belly, he draw a needle out. And demandin’ of her how she came to be so stabbed, she…testify it were your wife’s familiar spirit pushed it in.” (Act 2, Pg. 74). Abby certainly held authority over the Massachusetts’ own administration.
In Arthur Miller’s Why I Wrote “The Crucible”, he explains how the Puritans thought everything happens for a reason During the colonial time period, people had the conception that if something happened, it must be true. There was always good reasoning behind everything. They didn’t really suspect any wrongdoings by other people. The colonists were blinded from human nature. Erroneous actions made by feelings, such as deceit had gone unnoticed. “The high court…the use of ‘spectral evidence’ as proof of guilt…meant that if I swore that you had sent out your ‘familiar spirit’…I could get you hanged unless you confess to having had contact with the Devil.” Miller expresses his purpose in his article by explaining the ideology of the colonists and their mental confinement. Anyone had the power to simply say “she was conjuring” or “she’s a witch!” Once that was said, there were trials, tests, hangings that followed. Miller also talked about the intentions of the inhabitants and how those motives accredited them. “…the best proof of the sincerity of your own confession was your naming others whom had seen in the Devil company—an invitation to private vengeance.” This quote shows the scheme of the witch hunts, its true colors. It was, in fact, a way for people to get what they wanted in terms of social and economic status.
Beneath the wealthy, the hard laborers and servants longed for the chance to speak up. During the witch hunt, they got that chance. Their anger and strong emotions toward other people and their drive for wealth and land enabled them to commit such acts. Their power was to accuse another of something untrue, in hopes they would inherit anything the deceased left over.
10/3/08 P2
Prompt: How do the witch trials empower individuals who were previously powerless?
The Incredulous Life of “Witches”
The Salem Witch trials, which took place in the 1950’s, empowered people even of the lowest class in society. Farmers, orphans, servants- anyone could be accountable for putting another to death just by accusing them of witchcraft. Plenty of examples lie within playwright Arthur Miller’s piece, “The Crucible”. A girl of no substantial economic status named Abigail acted upon a strident motive guided by jealousy, and caused over seven deaths in the Massachusetts Bay colony. Another example is in Arthur Miller’s reflection, Why I Wrote “The Crucible”, where he explains the motives of the sneaky people who made knowingly false accusations. Although the restrictions in this old pious society were antic toward present day readers, they were actuality. The only way lower class citizens could have a voice was to accuse people of a lie to obtain the ultimate power; absolute power over another person’s life.
Abigail, a 17 year old orphan from “The Crucible”, accused Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft in order to be with her husband. Tituba (servant) conjured a potion for Abby to drink that would supposedly kill Elizabeth Proctor. When the girls panicked and wished to tell, Abigail was stern and manipulative. Determined to achieve her snide goal, she said, “Let either of you breathe a word…about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring you a pointy reckoning that will shudder you.” (Act 1, Pg. 20). She had the capability to make the other girls feel inferior, and more so afraid of her. She held this force to keep control over the girls so they wouldn’t speak the truth. Elizabeth Proctor was the wife of the man Abigail had an affair with, John Proctor. When he showed to the scene, Abigail’s lust and motives were flaunted. Showing her envy and anger toward his wife, Abby said “She is blackening my name in the village!”, meaning she thought Elizabeth was gossiping to other people about Abby’s promiscuous ways with her husband. Next, with her hostile approach, she insulted Elizabeth saying, “Oh, I marvel how such a strong man may let such a sickly wife…” (Act 1, Pg. 23). An orphan such as Abigail is aware of the power she has over John. She is certain she can control him because he has guilt. He doesn’t want anyone knowing about him committing adultery, he just wants to leave it behind, as shown in Act one, page 23, “wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby.” Even though he expresses they will never touch again, she knows she can always use it against him and is still determined to having him.
Toward the climax of this play, everyone is on trial. Proctor comes to the conclusion that nobody is going to believe him, so he reveals the truth. He committed adultery with Abigail. Abby was called to the court and put on her devious attitude. Every time Hathorn and Danforth (judges) would seemingly side with Proctor, Abby intervenes. “Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you to be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it!” says Abby (Act 3, Pg. 108). In this scene Abby really shows her capability to act and mold people’s decisions. She executed a brilliant idea to accuse Mary Warren (Proctor’s servant) of witchcraft by pretending to see a bird about to launch at her, “But God made my face, you cannot want to tear my face. Envy is a deadly sin, Mary.” (Act 3, Pg. 115). Abby’s ironic statement leads the judges to believe Mary Warren and Proctor are guilty. Her acting in this scene gives her charge because she uses people such as Mary Warren. She is attentive to the fact that Mary is apprehensive during the trial, and easily scared by Abby. Another example describing the amount of power each person had was when Abigail arranged a plan to make sure Elizabeth was persecuted. Abby stabbed herself with a needle and sent Hale to the Proctor house to check if they had a doll with a needle through its stomach. “…stuck two inches in the flesh of her belly, he draw a needle out. And demandin’ of her how she came to be so stabbed, she…testify it were your wife’s familiar spirit pushed it in.” (Act 2, Pg. 74). Abby certainly held authority over the Massachusetts’ own administration.
In Arthur Miller’s Why I Wrote “The Crucible”, he explains how the Puritans thought everything happens for a reason During the colonial time period, people had the conception that if something happened, it must be true. There was always good reasoning behind everything. They didn’t really suspect any wrongdoings by other people. The colonists were blinded from human nature. Erroneous actions made by feelings, such as deceit had gone unnoticed. “The high court…the use of ‘spectral evidence’ as proof of guilt…meant that if I swore that you had sent out your ‘familiar spirit’…I could get you hanged unless you confess to having had contact with the Devil.” Miller expresses his purpose in his article by explaining the ideology of the colonists and their mental confinement. Anyone had the power to simply say “she was conjuring” or “she’s a witch!” Once that was said, there were trials, tests, hangings that followed. Miller also talked about the intentions of the inhabitants and how those motives accredited them. “…the best proof of the sincerity of your own confession was your naming others whom had seen in the Devil company—an invitation to private vengeance.” This quote shows the scheme of the witch hunts, its true colors. It was, in fact, a way for people to get what they wanted in terms of social and economic status.
Beneath the wealthy, the hard laborers and servants longed for the chance to speak up. During the witch hunt, they got that chance. Their anger and strong emotions toward other people and their drive for wealth and land enabled them to commit such acts. Their power was to accuse another of something untrue, in hopes they would inherit anything the deceased left over.
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